Giraffes, Panda Bears, these are animals that you usually see in a zoo, right? (Unless you’re lucky enough to travel and be able to see them out in the wild.) In our family, and specifically in Brayden’s little world, these are the names of the classrooms at his preschool. When he started on October 1st, he was in the Giraffe room. It took him a loooong three months before he was finally, completely comfortable with being there. It was such a joy to be able to drop him off and have to chase after him for a hug and a kiss goodbye – because he was too excited and just wanted to go play! This is his last week in the Giraffe room.
Happy Brayden
He has been transitioning all week, and next week he is officially going to be in the Panda Bear room. He’s growing up. He’s learning, he’s making new friends, and according to his teachers, he’s ready to move up to the three-year-old room. I always trust what they have to say, but I have to admit I was initially a little worried (and yes, sad too). Once I met his new teachers and found out there are five other little Giraffes moving up to be Panda Bears with him, I felt much more at ease. In fact, today when I went to pick him up he was having some time in his new classroom, and he really didn’t want to leave. Makes me feel a whole lot better about his full transition next week.
Zackery’s First Day of Kindergarten
To add to the week of change, Zackery officially graduates from Kindergarten tomorrow. Yes, my first little baby has finished his first year of elementary school and tomorrow morning I will join all the other proud parents to watch him up on stage for the graduation ceremony. Is it a little over the top – to have little five and six year olds with their caps and gowns while we all make a big fuss? Yes, probably, but I don’t mind. I will gladly make a fuss over Zack’s achievements any day (and Brayden’s too for that matter).
Tonight, my camera is charging, my items are prepped for the pot luck lunch celebration which follows, and I already have his clothes picked out. Both boys are clean and well-bathed after playing hard in the hot sun earlier today. They are both peacefully sleeping, dreaming about who knows what – but I hope little innocent things like cars, trucks and trains.
I am definitely a proud Mommy this week, even more so than usual. I am a little sad and nostalgic (both Brayden’s and Zackery’s teachers have been so wonderful that I am sad knowing I won’t have that regular contact with them – although I know we will still stay in touch over the summer), but I am also excited for the next chapter of their lives.
My boys are growing up. Congratulations Zackery, Congratulations Brayden. I am so, so, SO proud of both of you. Keep making me happy. I love you.
Zackery’s Kindergarten Graduation